Congratulated Katya on being accepted to the New School in Manhattan. Asked Katya to complete "Things That Interest You" sheet. Went through my second handout, a checklist listing topics like great works of art, exploring careers, in five years, contemporary politics, social issues, poetry, plays, novels, writing, biographies. Katya and I talk about the topics she checked off. Discussed how we might use those topics as our curriculum for the remainder of the term. Next, discussed my art contest -- which hopefully was delivered to her. Katya to judge the ten paintings, pick the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, and then write an essay descripting the strenghts of the 2nd place winner and the 1st place winner. I texted Katya earier this week and gave her an assignment: write an essay discussing the "hype" surrounding the naval hospital ship "Comfort" and the reality.Today, we looked at her essay. Planned on adding a "prompt" due in two weeks: write an essay that begins with the statement "Art is the highest form of hope."